That question prompts a good deal of daily thought and action, not only from colleagues and me here at Montana State University, but also from fellow educators at institutions across the globe.

Perhaps few of those thoughts about the university's role and responsibilities are as eloquent as those expressed by David Quammen, who currently sits as the Wallace Stegner Professor in Western American Studies at MSU, also known as the Stegner Chair. A former Rhodes Scholar with an undergraduate degree from Yale, the Bozeman-based Quammen is an award-winning author of 11 books and numerous essays on science, nature, and conservation. He is considered by many to be one of the country's top science writers and thinkers. Members of the MSU community are enriched by Quammen's willingness to share with us his thoughts and experiences.

An example of Quammen's intellectual generosity is found in this issue of Mountains and Minds. In it, Quammen discusses the importance of MSU to the state of Montana and the responsibility of a university to its students, faculty and staff, alumni, donors, friends and residents of the state that support it.

Quammen says MSU is serving the state of Montana well by bringing intellectual rigor and challenge to this region and providing education that is "fine, robust and valued." That is good news for all of us at MSU. Since the university's inception in 1893, the university's Land Grant status has mandated that it broaden its definition of university community to serve all Montanans, whether they are located on our campus or in locations across the Big Sky State.

This magazine is an example of MSU's efforts to bring thought-provoking and intellectually enriched information to our large community. We hope you will enjoy the contents of this issue, in which we bring you stories that range from an article about nearly two decades of MSU research that is changing our understanding of life in the Greater Yellowstone to a profile of Evelyn Wanke of Rudyard, who did not attend MSU but has forever impacted MSU's service to the Montana agricultural community. You also will learn more about the students attracted to this university and the work they are doing, including a group who is growing a new philosophy of food. And you will meet Ellie Rudy, who not only is the nation's two-time champion women pole vaulter, but also aims high in the classroom.

We hope that you both enjoy and are enriched by these offerings. As always, we welcome hearing from all of you about how we may best serve you.

Sincerely,
Geoff Gamble, president

Return to regular view	Text-only              Email this article	Published: 5/2/2008